Sankranti 2026 movie race: big films lining up for festive box office battle
The Sankranti 2026 festival season is shaping up to be one of the busiest for Telugu cinema in recent years, with five major Telugu films and a couple of Tamil releases all planned around the holiday period. Fans are gearing up for a festive cinema treat, with big stars, varied genres and heavy anticipation for the films scheduled to hit theatres between 9 and 14 January 2026.
Here’s the full list of Sankranti 2026 releases and a short look at what each movie offers:
1. The Raja Saab (releasing 9 January 2026)
Starring Prabhas, this romantic horror-comedy marks a new genre turn for the star. The story follows a young man who tries to sell his ancestral property to sort out his financial troubles. The film mixes romance, humour and spooky elements, offering both thrills and laughs in equal measure.
2. Jana Nayagan (releasing 9 January 2026)
This action thriller features Tamil star Vijay in a compelling lead role. The plot centres on a common man who stands up against injustice, becoming a symbol of resistance and hope. With a strong supporting cast and tense action sequences, it’s expected to appeal to fans of hard-hitting cinema.
3. Parasakthi (releasing 10 January 2026)
This Tamil political drama stars Sivakarthikeyan in a period story set during the anti-Hindi agitations of the 1960s in Tamil Nadu. With a historical backdrop and powerful themes, the film brings political narrative and character-driven drama to the festive slate.
4. Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu (releasing 12 January 2026)
Featuring Chiranjeevi in a mix of comedy and action, this movie promises family-friendly entertainment. The trailer shows a blend of humour, drama and heroic moments, with Nayanthara and Venkatesh Daggubati adding extra star power. It follows a former agent who decides to prioritise family life, bringing both laughs and engaging scenes.
5. Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi (releasing 13 January 2026)
This film stars Ravi Teja and focuses on the comedy and challenges of marriage and modern family life. It shows the fun and struggles of a husband as he balances family expectations with contemporary realities, offering relatable humour for audiences.
6. Anaganaga Oka Raju (releasing 14 January 2026)
With Naveen Polishetty and Meenakshi Chaudhary, this romantic comedy-thriller follows the life of Raju through themes of ambition and relationships, blending light-hearted moments with drama and intrigue.
7. Nari Nari Naduma Murari (also 14 January 2026)
This movie stars Sharwanand and Samyuktha Menon in a complex love triangle. The story explores how the romantic relationships of the characters affect their families and personal lives, promising emotional depth and engaging twists.
With several big stars and diverse genres on offer, Sankranti 2026 is expected to be a record-setting moment for Telugu cinema, turning the festival into a major box office celebration.
